Ecology Unit Review

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

A relationship between two species where one benefits at the expense of the other, such as a mockingbird pushing out a bluebird's eggs.

Front

What does competitive exclusion mean?

Back

The principle stating that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist if other ecological factors are constant.

Front

What is a density-independent factor?

Back

A factor that affects population size regardless of the population's density, such as a drought.

Front

What do carnivores eat?

Back

Carnivores primarily eat meat.

Front

Where do producers get their energy from?

Back

Producers obtain their energy from the sun through photosynthesis.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit, such as bees pollinating flowers.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

A relationship between two species where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed, like barnacles on a whale.

Front

What is niche differentiation?

Back

The process by which competing species use the environment differently to coexist.

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.